Dancing is a tool for social cohesion - Minister

Mrs Dzifa Gomashie, Deputy Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, says dancing is a tool that celebrates the heritage and the cultural background of the people.

She noted that in Ghana all regions have their own traditional dances, however, the country in celebrating this year’s World Dance Day, added Azonto, a Ghanaian modern dance that gained world attention.

The Deputy Minister was speaking at a ceremony to mark the Day, which attracted the attention of the wider public to the art of dancing. It was on the theme: “Dance a tool for social cohesion.”

Mrs Gomashie said dancing could also be used as a catalyst for strengthening bonds between people as the country prepares for the presidential and parliamentary elections on November 7.

“Let us celebrate what we have in different ways to support the National Theatre and National Dance Company because dancing is a form of exercise and entertainment, which is earning people their income."

Mrs Gomashie said apart from using creative arts to promote peace, Ghanaians must ensure that peace is achieved through their actions and inactions.

Mrs Amy Appiah Frimpong, Acting Executive Director of National Theatre said the organisers chose to dance on a footbridge, to serve as an attraction point for people to see.

Participants mainly from the Ghana Dance Ensemble were taken to the Tetteh Quarshie footbridge to engage in all kinds of dance.

Mrs Frimpong said it is significant for Ghanaians to know the role of footbridges in the country, since they serve as link to all kinds of people who use them and help to link various destinations.

Nii Tete Yartey, Director for Dance at the Theatre said dancing is a vital component of life’s events.

It said it permeates through concepts of birth, education, religion, politics, economics, death and other social activities.

He appealed to Government and Ghana Education Service to inculcate dancing activities in various schools and organisations to observe the Day in addition to organising exhibitions, street shows and performances and all kinds of dance to entertain and educate the people.